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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 8, 2001

American Geriatrics Society
Contact: Pamela W. Ingham
(312) 565-1234, ext. 4115
pingham@americangeriatrics.org

New York, NY…The American Geriatrics Society (AGS) will unveil plans at its 2001 Annual Meeting to participate in an Internet-based portal project called AGS Online: Caring for Older Adults. Using the Internet, AGS will build on current society benefits by enabling members to receive a variety of news and health care information and take advantage of other Internet services and opportunities. This new tool will play an integral role in all AGS activities-from extended training and educational opportunities to better facilitation of AGS meetings.

"AGS Online: Caring for Older Adults opens up a world of possibilities for AGS and our members," said Linda Hiddemen Barondess, executive vice president of the AGS. "Members will be able to make it work best for them-whether to discuss issues in geriatrics with other colleagues throughout the country or provide their patients a customized website for visit preparation and between-visit communication. This initiative goes a long way in helping us further integrate and expand on the education and understanding of health care for the aging population-the primary mission of our organization."

The portal will have a different focus and use than the current AGS website (www.americangeriatrics.org), which is designed primarily for the public and provides information about the AGS, its issues and initiatives. Essentially the new portal will act as two secured websites for each member: one umbrella site for communication and activity with the AGS; and one site to be customized by each member to use with his or her own patients and staff.

The portal will help the AGS better communicate and interact with members by featuring continuing health education and conference information, legislative updates, and online polls to help AGS gather information about its members and find out about current issues affecting the field of geriatrics. It will also feature electronic community groups that will facilitate the sharing of information between AGS members and colleagues across the country on clinical trials, practice management issues and general health news.

The Internet portal is available to AGS through the Medical Society e-Cooperative, a group of 12 medical societies that have come together to share resources. Each society within the e-Cooperative will be given their own Internet portal, supported by a grant from Pharmacia Corporation.